Correctional Officer

Corrections Officer

The Corrections Officer will be responsible for enforcing rules and regulations in prison or jails to prevent any disturbances and effectively determine the best course of action with inmates. Guards' prisoners at the jail, assuming responsibility for all needs of prisoners in their care, custody and control during detention by performing the following duties.

Principal Accountabilities

• Coordinate and direct work assignments of Correctional Officers during assigned shifts, (e.g., vendors, contract personnel, maintenance, cooks, support services, and programs and health professionals.)
• Monitors all jail activities to ensure that they are following approved jail policies and procedures; makes recommendations regarding changes or updates to policy, procedure, and training.
• Reviewing of inmate incidents and rules violations determines appropriate disciplinary action; participates in disciplinary hearings to resolve problems and inmate grievances.
• Motivates, directs, and holds line officers accountable for the daily operations of the
• Monitors jail equipment, security, and computer systems to ensure they remain functional; orders and oversees repairs when necessary.
• Ensure the food is properly prepared and meals served on
• Oversees classification of inmates and ensures compliance with approved policies and procedures regarding inmate housing, inmate visiting.
• Assist with the training of personnel and participate in the process improvement of Jail
• Directs and evaluates special assignments within the facility, including randomly conducted cell inspections and emergency drills.
• Oversee the classification of inmates lodged in the Review all booking and release documents.
• Participate in the coordination of prisoner transport and assist with staff scheduling and shift
• Review inmate misconduct reports, refer appropriate cases to disciplinary hearings, schedule and conduct disciplinary hearings.
• Ensure on - duty medical unit staff are in the facility and providing services as Distribute medication to inmates in the absence of nursing staff.
• Performs work per established rules and post orders and can receive specific instructions and general administrative directions.

Knowledge & Skills

• General or technical high school diploma or equivalent
• Must successfully complete all components of the Correctional Officer Testing Process
• Prefer experience and/or training related to corrections, criminal justice, or leadership
• Mental and emotional balance to competently handle a position with inherent authority over others in a responsible, mature, and professional manner
• Ability to display self-control and react appropriately in stressful or chaotic situations
• Ability to comply with and enforce rules and regulations
• Ability to complete tasks requiring physical activity exerting moderate, but not constant, physical effort - typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling
• Ability to participate in ongoing training, some of which may involve physical activity
• Must have a stable educational and work history and a police record free of pending charges and felony convictions
• Must have and maintain a valid Driver's license and satisfactory driving record
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to prisoners and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's.
• Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

Experience & Education

• General or technical high school diploma or equivalent
• Prefer minimum one (1) year experience in Corrections, Law Enforcement, or other related experience.
• Possess a valid Missouri Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Must successfully complete all components of the Correctional Officer Testing Process

Physical Requirements/Working Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, and communicate effectively through talking and hearing. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or run, and may be involved in physical confrontations requiring physical strength and agility. Must have the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects and detainees weighing up to 100 pounds or more, and drag a minimum of 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to perform the physical demands of searching detainees and their living spaces, restraining individuals, and responding to emergencies promptly and efficiently. The work involves exposure to potentially dangerous situations and requires the ability to react quickly and calmly in high-pressure circumstances. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can occasionally be loud. The employee will work in various environments within the correctional facility, including but not limited to cell blocks, common areas, administrative offices, and outdoor areas. The employee may be exposed to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, and other health risks associated with detainees. The employee must be able to work in a potentially hostile environment and maintain professional composure and effectiveness during confrontational situations. The work involves exposure to stressful situations, such as emergency responses and inmate disturbances, requiring the ability to remain calm and make sound decisions. The employee may be required to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, to ensure 24/7 coverage of the facility. The employee must adhere to strict security protocols and maintain high standards of safety and security for both staff and detainees.

Travel

Travel requirements will vary with the assignment.

Shift/Work Schedule

• 12-hour shifts (5am-5pm or 5pm-5am)
• 2 week rotating schedule: Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun, Wed, Thurs

Benefits

• 14 paid holidays
• Receive 8 hours vacation and 4 hours personal time per month
• Potential for overtime or comp time
• CERF Retirement
• Paid health/dental/vision insurance for employees
  • Option health/dental/vision insurance available for family/dependents at employee's expense
• Required uniforms and equipment provided.
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• County provided Life and AD&D insurance
• Optional additional voluntary life insurance

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.